Chronicle. 1 st Sunday. Love and Joy, Pastor Dent. Joy! Joy! Joy! Pastor s Message. Today s Sermon

Transcription

1 1 st Sunday Chronicle Pastor s Message September 1, 2013 Joy! Joy! Joy! The Joy of the Lord is always our strength. Every believer, without exception, should have a joyous spirit. The Holy Bible supports this by giving us reasons to be friendly and joyful. You may want to make note of the following: Friendly people experience the warmth and joy of God s love in the lives of those they befriend (Genesis 18:1-15). Friendly people (and churches) are enriched by the different life stories, histories and cultures of those they befriend (Luke 14:12-14). The earth is our home. Friendly people want to share it as brothers and sisters created in the image of God (Genesis 2:15). Friendly people (and churches) reflect God s love for a non-caring and nonbelieving world (1 John 4:7-21). Friendly people (and churches) please God (Luke 10:29-37). Friendly people (and churches) have more energy and zest for life (Act 3:1-10). Friendly churches grow in size and mission because people feel welcome and wanted (Acts 2:41-42 and Romans 3:22-24). The church is the world s true model of selfless love and friendliness (Acts 10:34-35). Love and Joy, Pastor Dent Today s Sermon Theme: The Joy of Being Thankful Text: Psalm 107:1-15 Pastor Richard A. Dent

2 In the spotlight Family & Friend s Day At First African Baptist Church PRASING GOD IN THE SANCTUARY On Sunday July 28, 2013, First African celebrated its 27 th Annual Family and Friend s Day. It was a day filled with joy! Pastor Dent preached from the theme: Is God Still Worthy of Our Praise? (Luke 17:11-19 KJV). The Sanctuary choir ministered in song, and after morning worship we celebrated with an indoor and outdoor fellowship. What a day to celebrate with family and friends. We welcomed to our church family new members who came to worship and now are a part of the church family. We also had the pleasure of having the Garvin/Watkins family worship with us. They were celebrating their family reunion. When all God s children get together in worship, what a time, what a time! A family is like a circle, the connection never ends, and even though at times it breaks, in time it always mends. To God Be the Glory!

3 HEALTHCARE MINISTRY HEALTH TIP FOR SEPTEMBER Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell disease changes normal, round red blood cells into cells that are shaped like crescent moons. The name "sickle cell" comes from the crescent shape of the cells. A sickle is a farm tool with a curved blade than can cut crops like wheat. Normal red blood cells move easily through your blood vessels, taking oxygen to every part of your body. But sickled cells can get stuck and block blood vessels, which stops the oxygen from getting through. This blockage can cause a lot of pain and can also harm organs, muscles, and bones. Having sickle cell disease means a lifelong battle against the health problems it can cause, such as pain, infections, anemia and stroke. Many people are able to have a very good quality of life by learning to manage the disease. Sickle cell disease is inherited - meaning it is passed from parent to child. A child has to inherit two sickle cell genes - one from each parent in order to get the disease. When a child inherits the gene from just one parent, that child has sickle cell trait. Having this trait means that you do not have the disease but you are a carrier and could pass the gene on to your children. Painful events are the most common symptom of sickle cell disease. They are periods of pain that happen when sickled cells get stuck in blood vessels and block the blood flow. These events usually cause pain in the hands, feet, belly, back, or chest and may last for hours or for days. People with sickle cell disease often have anemia, caused by a shortage of red blood cells. Anemia makes you feel weak and tired. A simple blood test can show whether a person has sickle cell disease and most states test for sickle cell disease before infants go home from the hospital. Early treatment includes daily antibiotic from 2 months to 5 years of age to help prevent infections. Routine childhood immunizations are also important. Pain management is often a big part of having sickle cell disease. The plan should include what you can do at home to relieve the pain and should also include when it is best to call your doctor or go to the hospital. Some people need regular blood transfusions to lower the risk of stroke and treat anemia and other problems. Regular checkups are an important part of life with this disease. People with sickle cell disease should have a good relationship with a doctor who is an expert in treating and managing the disease. Sickle cell disease can be managed by learning what triggers painful events. Triggers often include cold temperatures, wind, dehydration. Low oxygen caused by cigarette smoke, high altitude and plane flights is another common trigger. Your child can take part in normal school activities. Make sure that teachers understand your child's special needs, like needing frequent drinks and bathroom trips and avoiding overexertion and cold temperatures. People with sickle cell disease and their families face ongoing stress. A support network can help ease stress and worry. BLOOD DRIVE The Health Care Ministry will hold its semiannual Blood Drive on Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 8:30 AM till 1:30 PM. We will be in the Narthex each Sunday before and after service to sign-up those interested in donating one pint of blood. All of the blood that is donated this day will be designated for children in area hospitals that have Sickle Cell Anemia. Why give blood? Lives depend on it. Hospital patients need blood every day. Most of the children with sickle cell anemia are African American and our blood may be the best match for them. The closer the match, the lower the risk of their body rejecting the blood. If a child does not need our blood at the time of donation, it will not be wasted! The blood will go to another patient who needs it. Who can give blood? Most healthy people who weigh 110 pounds or more and who are 17 years of age or older. Regulations require that donors wait at least 56 days between donations. What should I do before giving blood? Make sure that you have been eating and drinking normally. You should not be overly hungry when you give blood. Increase your non alcoholic fluid intake before and after you donate blood! For more information or questions, please see any member of the Health Care Ministry or sign-up online: Enter sponsor code:

4 MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS Janie Strong and Geneva Eldridge Whatever you do, do it hardly as to the Lord. (Colossians 3:23) FABC Man to Man Ministry Real Men Real Issues Real. Faith The vision of the men s ministry is to Reach every man with a biblical strategy to Leave No Man Behind. Our goal is to equip, edify and educate men with God s Word so they can make a Godly impact in their homes, in their workplaces, and in their community. The men extend support to senior citizens, the youth and to families in need. They do minor repairs and contribute to the over-all upkeep of the church. They are a large presence at the annual Martin Luther King Day of Service. They have recently added nursing home visitation to their many acts of caring. A fellowship breakfast is held every 2 nd Saturday of the month where a spiritual message or health information pertaining to men is presented. Each year, five men are recognized for their contributions to the church and community through the men s banquet. A highlight of the men s activities is their annual Men s Retreat. The men s theme for this year is The Profile and Purpose of A Kingdom Man. Brothers James Hawkins, Ken Lockett, Ministry Leaders Women s Ministry Women In Noble and Godly Service The Women s Ministry mission is To strive to develop a warm and genuine spirit as we grow spiritually and stronger in our faith, encouraging one another to become more Christ-like. The scriptural base is Hebrews 10: The logo for this ministry is the butterfly. All women of First African Baptist Church are members of this ministry and are encouraged to participate in the activities. This ministry was established to provide Christian fellowship to all women of First African. Some events sponsored by the ministry in the past year are: The Flea Market, partnering with the Nurses Ministry in sponsoring the Weight Watchers Program, the Annual Clothing Exchange and the Back to School Give Away. The monthly Fellowship Breakfast is held each third Saturday where spiritual women expound on God s Word and various topics of interest to women are discussed. This ministry also sponsors Inter- Generational Activities. The highlights of our endeavors are Women s Spiritual Retreat and the Annual Women s Day. All First African Baptist Church women are members of this ministry and we encourage you to participate in the activities. Sister Beatrice Dent, Ministry Leader

5 Neighbor to Neighbor s Camp Joy Summer Highlights! Gwen Freeman and Beverly Donaldson Neighbor to Neighbor Community Development Corporation, Inc. conducts a summer day camp each year for disadvantaged children between 5 and 12 years of age. The program is operated Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm over a 5 week period. Camp Joy consists of recreational and educational activities such as roller skating, amusements, swimming, bowling, computer lab and library visits. Career Day is also held to provide an opportunity for campers to learn about different careers and occupations from guest speakers. The fee per week includes breakfast, lunch, tee shirts, all activities and transportation to activities. Closing ceremonies allow each group the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned over the 5 week period. Our fees are adjusted so that all children can enjoy the experience of summer camp. Scholarships are awarded to the neediest families and subsidies are provided for those who are able to afford only a portion of program cost. This year we were BLESSED to have 55 campers. Once a week campers went on field trips to : The Nile Swim Club in Yeadon, Pa, The Skating Millennium in Upper Darby, The Playhouse Bowling Alley also Upper Darby, Pa, Campers visited The Mann Music Center in Philadelphia where they saw the Rock School of Dance and Black Violinist. Additional field trips included; The Philadelphia Zoo, Clementon Park, Herr s factory, The Main Library in Philadelphia, Baseball Stadium in New Jersey home of the Camden River Sharks. The closing ceremony was an adaptation of The Lion King 2013 Spiritual Youth Retreat Overview Gwen Freeman & Marie Ward Each year the children of First African and neighboring communities participate in the annual Youth Spiritual Retreat. This year marks the 25 th Anniversary for the Youth Retreat. The theme was Team up with Jesus. Its biblical reference was taken from Ephesians 4: The retreat was held at Blue Mountain Christian Retreat Center in New Ringgold, PA. This year we were BLESSED to have 35 Retreaters ranging from the 7-16 years of age with 13 Adult chaperones. There were workshops on: Social Media where there was an open discussion on the pros/cons, and what can happen when there is misuse of the media- Bryant Morris was the facilitator Self-confidence/Self-esteem/Believing in Self - Karen Simmons was the facilitator Team Up With Jesus -Steven Bradley, Sr., Mary Ruffin & Marie Ward were the facilitators Retreaters enjoyed: Praise and worship, campfires, and Christian American Idol where they were able to display their many gifts. In addition there was time for reflection and remembering the pioneers during the Circle of Praise. To culminate the end of this year s retreat was received a powerful word from Rev. Michael Heath. Some of the cast of characters included: Blaize Eldridge, Bryson Eldridge, Xavier Luker, Tianti Good, Sydney Good, Ciara Barber, Josh Robinson, Christian Lyons, Armani Lyons, Jeremiah Johnson, Kyle Love, Maia Love Misa Love Aniyah Gresham, Victoria Braxton, Jayden Barton, Aniyah Duran, Jade Wilson, Daniel Coleman, Keir Smith, Bruce Lewis, Jaylin Thorpe, Aaliyah Mickens, Macy Fisher, Enoch Tomlin, Morgan Duran, Calvin Fisher and Laila Robinson, etc.

6 The B. W. Watkins Scholarship Ministry Invites you to A Dinner Theatre PRESENTING THE HILARIOUS PRODUCTION OF the gossip gals Featuring Nana Puddin, Nana Poot, Gert and our own, Pastor D.L. Love Joseph Barton An Original Play by Rev. Crystal Jay Saturday September 7, :00pm Adults $20.00 Children 18 and under $10.00 The Agape Room First African Baptist Church 901 Clifton Ave Sharon Hill, PA Reverend Dr. Richard A. Dent, Pastor Joyce Barnes, Ministry Leader

7 Women s Ministry Breakfast Highlights September, 2013 In keeping with the Women s Ministry theme for this year I Will Do More, I Will Say Yes, we will address the topic, I Will Do More Than Belong, I Will Participate. Our goal is to facilitate you becoming a member of a ministry. At that time, you will be able to speak with ministry leaders, receive literature and have any questions that you might have, answered. We are especially inviting those of you who have not yet chosen a ministry to join us. We are also urging those of you who are already ministry participants to come and share the joy that you receive when you serve. Rev. Beverly Hudson will encourage and challenge us through the word of God. Don t miss this blessing! Saturday, September 21, :00 am Agape Room First African 2013 Men s recognition banquet Mark Your Calendars September 1 - Pastor the Cathedral St. Mark s Community Church, Chester, PA for Bishop Anthony Hanna s 22 nd Pastoral 4:00 pm September 7 - The Gossip Gals - A dinner theatre production, sponsored by B.W. Watkins Scholarship 4:00 pm September 14 Men s Fellowship 8:30 am, Sister Dionne Locket, Speaker 9:00 am 12:00 pm - Comfort Care Support Ministry Meeting w/ Ministry Leaders, Dr. Jerry Johnson, Speaker September 15 Combined Ushers Annual Day, Rev. Dr. Wendell Mapson, guest preacher 3:30 pm September 21 Women s Fellowship 9:00am, Rev. Beverly S. Hudson, Speaker September 22 - Pastor Community Baptist Church, Chester, PA for the Usher s Anniversary 3:00 pm September 24 Ministry Leaders 6:30 pm September 30 Golden Spirit In 3:30 pm Freewill Offering Welcome to our new members who Joined in the month of August, 2013 Saturday, October 12, :00 pm The following Men will be recognized: Deacon Kevin Jacey Minister Wendell Jones Bro. Joseph Grant Bro. Curtis Pollard Bro. Tyrone Jackson, Jr Bro. Bob Hawkins, Ministry Leader Rev. Dr. Richard A. Dent, Pastor Naa-Amanua Ankrah Randolph Bruton Tiera Guy Leslie Howard Gene Hutt Bryan Jackson, Jr. Felicia Kelly Bobby W. Kemper Bobby W. Kemper, Jr. Carol A. Kemper Morgan R. Kemper Raven-Monet Kemper Kevion Mathieu Danielle Addur-Rahman Emily Sims Ralph Starks Deliak Waller First African Baptist Church 901 Clifton Avenue Sharon Hill, PA FABC-Joy@fabc.microsoftonline.com Web-site: Churchclerks@fabc.microsoftonline.com

8 WHAT S HAPPENING THIS WEEK AT FIRST AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH September 1 September 7, 2013 HOLY BAPTISM & THE LORD S SUPPER Sunday, 9/1 After Service: Monday, 9/2 Tuesday, 9/3 Wednesday, 9/4 Thursday, 9/5 Friday, 9/6 8:45 am Sunday School and Discipleship Class 9:45 am Worship Service 3:30 pm Pastor, Men s Choir and Usher s Traveling to the Cathedral of St. Mark s Christian Community Church, 214 Lamkon St. Chester, PA Labor Day - Office Closed 6:00 pm Angelic Choir Rehearsal Youth Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm P.H.I.T. Fitness Class (Annex) 7:00 pm Rose of Sharon Missionary Meeting 7:00 pm Voices of Joy Rehearsal 12:00 pm Noon Day Prayer 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting, Led by Houses of James Zebedee & Bartholomew 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Emergency Food Cupboard - Annex 6:30 pm Girl Scouts - Annex 7:00 pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm WTL Drama Ministry Rehearsal Saturday, 9/7 11:00 am Deacons Meeting 11:00 am Adult Praise Dance Rehearsal - Annex 12:00 pm Lil & Teen Praise Dance Rehearsal 1:30 pm C.H.E.R.I.S.H. Meeting 4:00 pm B.W. Watkins Event A note of thanks A note of thanks Pastor Dent, and First African Baptist Church, The family of the late Nellie M. Robinson wishes to express their appreciation for your kind thoughts and expression of sympathy. Sincerely, The Robinson Family Pastor Dent, Mrs. Dent and Church Family, I want to thank all of you for your prayers, cards and phone calls. This extra special thank you note is sent to you today, holds more appreciation than any words can say. For your among the nicest people I have ever known, and you ll never be forgotten for the thoughtfulness you ve shown. Thanks for everything. Joy, Sister Sarah Burns